This is a post that I wrote on Facebook several months ago:
Today was the 2-year anniversary of Mom's death. I spent some quality time with my sister and my beautiful niece this morning on a brisk walk. This was followed by some quality time with the rest of the family for a LONG, sunshined lunch at McCallisters. We didn't really mention Mom much today, though I knew it was heavy on our hearts. In keeping with the spirit of a good day, Jeff suggested we go try a little shopping. Then, while trying on jeans and becoming very frustrated (they all either show my crack or hit my boobs), three pennies fell out of the STORE'S blue jeans. Mom used to hide pennies in odd places when I was in college so I'd find them at just the right moments. She would send them in letters and tell me that if I ever found a penny, it was from her. It was her reminder to me that she loved me always. Since she's been dead, I have found pennies when I've needed them most. Once while huffing to my van after a particularly bad school day, I opened the van door and a penny fell right out onto the pavement (head's up, too!). Once after feeling like the world's worst mom because I snapped at Grace when I should have been more patient, I stepped on one in the middle of my bathroom floor. Today, she sent me three to let me know that she loves me still. I love you Mom and miss you more than ever! Keep sending the pennies, too; my piggy bank heart is far from full...
(Posted on February 19, 2011)
Well, in the past several months, I've continued to get pennies in odd places. But I haven't found as many as I'd longed for. It could be that I have just been too busy to notice. Isn't that usually the case? When things are going pretty smoothly, we get a little lazy-eyed; we breeze through easy terrain missing all of God's wonderful handiwork. What happens when things aren't so easy, great, wonderful?
Last week, Jeff and I had the opportunity to take a day trip to Stone Mountain, North Carolina. Yes, North Carolina. We had climbed Stone Mountain in Georgia before. Well, this hike made Stone Mtn, GA, say, "blah, blah, blah." I was a little pouty when we made the decision at first though. I wanted a true vacation, not just a day trip. Preacher duties kept us close to home, however, and it was what it was. God must have known that my eyes had gotten a little lazy lately. He decided He had something to show me! After viewing the park map, we decided to take the 4.5 mile hike route to the summit. The hike was labeled "strenuous" so Jeff was questioning if I'd finally lost my mind. I think he actually said, "Um, just who do you think I am?!" Oh, get over it, preacher man, it won't be that bad. Besides, he'd been doing my tabata interval workouts with me; he could handle this. At this point, I need to clarify two things: 1) strenuous doesn't necessarily mean strenuous. Preacher man only passed out once; and 2) nothing, I mean, NOTHING, could have prepared me for this hike, not because it was tough physically, but because it played a number on me spiritually. The hike started off rather easy. After we read the sign warning that black bears had been "very" active recently, we knew we'd be okay (oh, snap!). About a 1/2 mile in, we happened upon an old farm where four generations had built their lives. The original house, outhouse, tobacco shed (it wasn't called this, but I can't remember the name), and other farm places were all still in tact. We even found the spring box and washing place near the creek down from their home (I'm so thankful for washing machines!). Then we saw the VIEW that this family had daily. Oh my goodness! There was a reason these people built here! We did a little praising, then continued on. We saw the bottom of a waterfall, then climbed to the top. Everything along the way seemed so perfectly put in its place. There were several times along the hike where we would be encircled by nothing but trees and all of the sudden come into a clearing that would literally take my breath away. Once I stepped out into a granite clearing and could see for miles all around. We were up where the hawks were. At least, I think they were hawks. They very well could have been vultures coming for the preacher--he was pretty stinky by this point. I tried to get a picture, but my cell phone died as soon as we reached this point. It doesn't matter. Words cannot paint the picture, a photo cannot describe the God that I saw up there. Praise Him! "The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands." (Psalm 19:1) God quickly put my pout out and I began praising the picture that He had so perfectly painted for me this day. I asked for forgiveness for not walking faithfully and attentively. I prayed that He would continue to open my eyes to His handiwork.
Fast forward to today. I started my new job. Praise God for a job! But, I'm not in the classroom this year which bums me a little. For His reasons, I started in this county as an "Exceptional Children's Program Specialist." No need for a complete job description. What matters is the fact that by today, my fourth day on the job, I'd forgotten to pay attention to His handiwork. Since I'm working in an old school building (or gym converted into offices--I'm not sure yet) that is about 400 degrees below zero, there aren't many "pretty pictures" around me. But I had two chances to see His handiwork today. The first was when I was able to share the "Sarah Miracle" story with a new colleague who is experiencing a difficult pregnancy. The other was the pile of pennies I collected today--brand new pennies, all face up! Pennies may only be pennies to you, but they are priceless to me! Good to see you again Mom. And, wow, God sure does paint some pretty pictures here on this earth. It makes me long for heaven! If I'm allowed to see such here, what marvelous things I will see there!
In any event, all this reminds me that there isn't a reason under the sun that I should ever feel slighted, not by life, my preacher man, or by God. His ways are perfect! He also knows my heart before I do sometimes. He restores my soul, opening my eyes when they get droopy from all the pains of this life. Amazingly, He loves me no matter what as well, even when I fail to pay attention. What an amazing God I serve! Finally, what are we called to do in return? Glorify Him in all things! How could I ever forget?! (P.S. Read and pray Psalm 19...it will revive you.)
Monday, August 15, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Funny story with awesome fellowship
This is a new one. I've known for a while, okay, forever, that my husband is forgetful. But we get through it. Somehow, we've managed to make it to doctor's appointments and all major events without issue. You know where this is going. Yes, it happened. He forgot something major.
Yesterday, after Sunday school, a church member (family of four) approached me and said, "We are really looking forward to hanging out with you guys after church today." Well, those of you who know me well know that I am pretty transparent. My face says it all. This time, my face clearly said, "What are you talking about?!" I didn't mean to shout with my facial expressions, but, oh no, what was he talking about?! Yes, folks, preacher man forgot to tell his wife that he had invited this family, who live a good distance from the church by the way, for lunch and fellowship at our home right after church. This wouldn't usually be too much of an issue, but I lacked all things host-worthy. I didn't even have milk in my house. So, pizza it was. And all was okay. We had a terrific afternoon with our church family. It was, indeed, a surprise. But, surprises are good, right?
There are a lot of surprises in the Bible. Once, God surprised an aged woman, a woman far beyond child-bearing years, with a child. And not just any child, a child that would carry on a great heritage. Sarah was surprised and laughed. Yesterday, I was surprised and laughed as well. No need to be angry, stressed, anxious. God gave us what we needed, even if it was just the Pizza Hut down the road. My husband learned that he must be better at consulting with me before making such plans. This church family learned that their new preacher does have faults. Gasp! And I learned that sometimes surprises are great! We had a wonderful afternoon with this family of four. My day didn't go as I had planned. But who am I? The planner? God knew what he was doing.
Man's ways are variable, but God's are everlasting (Habakkuk 3:6). Nothing shall take the Almighty by surprise. But I do wonder if He enjoys a laugh at the expense of our surprises every now and then...
Yesterday, after Sunday school, a church member (family of four) approached me and said, "We are really looking forward to hanging out with you guys after church today." Well, those of you who know me well know that I am pretty transparent. My face says it all. This time, my face clearly said, "What are you talking about?!" I didn't mean to shout with my facial expressions, but, oh no, what was he talking about?! Yes, folks, preacher man forgot to tell his wife that he had invited this family, who live a good distance from the church by the way, for lunch and fellowship at our home right after church. This wouldn't usually be too much of an issue, but I lacked all things host-worthy. I didn't even have milk in my house. So, pizza it was. And all was okay. We had a terrific afternoon with our church family. It was, indeed, a surprise. But, surprises are good, right?
There are a lot of surprises in the Bible. Once, God surprised an aged woman, a woman far beyond child-bearing years, with a child. And not just any child, a child that would carry on a great heritage. Sarah was surprised and laughed. Yesterday, I was surprised and laughed as well. No need to be angry, stressed, anxious. God gave us what we needed, even if it was just the Pizza Hut down the road. My husband learned that he must be better at consulting with me before making such plans. This church family learned that their new preacher does have faults. Gasp! And I learned that sometimes surprises are great! We had a wonderful afternoon with this family of four. My day didn't go as I had planned. But who am I? The planner? God knew what he was doing.
Man's ways are variable, but God's are everlasting (Habakkuk 3:6). Nothing shall take the Almighty by surprise. But I do wonder if He enjoys a laugh at the expense of our surprises every now and then...
What is the point?
I've never thought of myself as a writer. With two master's degrees, I've sworn I'd never write again. Yet, after spending nearly a decade as a preacher's wife, I find that there is just so much to say. Nothing that's incredibly important. But things that I feel I would like to keep safe for the future. Maybe my children will read this one day and be reminded of what God has done in our family, for our family, and through our family. Some things are sad; some bring joy; and some are just humorous. But all things written here are true.
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
In my nearly 10 years as a pastor's wife, I've learned so many things, most of which have been learned the hard way. I've learned what it's like to be in a church with only 16 members. I've learned what it's like to be a mother. I've learned what it's like to be surrounded by people, yet feel alone. I know what it's like to live in a manse (parsonage, church house). I've learned just what foods you MUST bring to a covered dish dinner. I've learned how to pray in earnest the Scriptures. I've learned to trust God in all things (okay, most things). I've learned what it's like to not really listen to your husband's sermon only to find that he really wants to know how THAT sermon was. I've learned to listen to my husband's sermons. I've learned what it's like to not have a pastor because your pastor gives all of his "pastoring energies" to his flock; he gives his family all the rest. I've learned that there are consequences to not honoring your husband, regardless of who he is. I've learned how wonderful and honoring this same man can be when you lose your mother to brain cancer. I've learned how wonderful it is to fellowship with a church family; to call this family "yours;" to tearfully leave them when God calls you to another "family." I've learned what love looks like on so many levels.
And this is just the beginning.
What is my point? My point is that I am a normal 34-year-old wife and mother who experiences the same things that any wife and mother experiences. I am no better, no more righteous, no more versed in the Word, no more patient that any other. In fact, I fear that there are times when I lack all that it takes to be a good minister's wife, much less just a good wife. But there are some things that are just different. I love my family and my life. I have been incredibly blessed! God remains faithful even if I don't. How fortunate I am!
I am inviting you to share with me some of the things that I learn daily being in a "different" position in the church. Whatever I share, keep in mind that each day is a day for the Lord. HE has given it to us so that we may enjoy Him! Rejoice!
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
In my nearly 10 years as a pastor's wife, I've learned so many things, most of which have been learned the hard way. I've learned what it's like to be in a church with only 16 members. I've learned what it's like to be a mother. I've learned what it's like to be surrounded by people, yet feel alone. I know what it's like to live in a manse (parsonage, church house). I've learned just what foods you MUST bring to a covered dish dinner. I've learned how to pray in earnest the Scriptures. I've learned to trust God in all things (okay, most things). I've learned what it's like to not really listen to your husband's sermon only to find that he really wants to know how THAT sermon was. I've learned to listen to my husband's sermons. I've learned what it's like to not have a pastor because your pastor gives all of his "pastoring energies" to his flock; he gives his family all the rest. I've learned that there are consequences to not honoring your husband, regardless of who he is. I've learned how wonderful and honoring this same man can be when you lose your mother to brain cancer. I've learned how wonderful it is to fellowship with a church family; to call this family "yours;" to tearfully leave them when God calls you to another "family." I've learned what love looks like on so many levels.
And this is just the beginning.
What is my point? My point is that I am a normal 34-year-old wife and mother who experiences the same things that any wife and mother experiences. I am no better, no more righteous, no more versed in the Word, no more patient that any other. In fact, I fear that there are times when I lack all that it takes to be a good minister's wife, much less just a good wife. But there are some things that are just different. I love my family and my life. I have been incredibly blessed! God remains faithful even if I don't. How fortunate I am!
I am inviting you to share with me some of the things that I learn daily being in a "different" position in the church. Whatever I share, keep in mind that each day is a day for the Lord. HE has given it to us so that we may enjoy Him! Rejoice!
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